A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO GREEN BUILDING DEVELOPMENT: PRACTICALITIES AND PROSPECTS

the construction industry nowadays faces a quite number of major challenges that necessitate our constant efforts to change and adapt our activities in a more environment-friendly way. Sustainable construction or ‘green’ building is common knowledge in the developed world, but much less so in developing countries, which are facing major and serious developmental problems. The built environment therefore calls for green innovations and mechanisms that are seen as more urgent than ever.

Energy crisis is currently among the major challenges for the international community. The recent years have seen a surging trend of oil price escalation. Power supply is particularly a major challenge for developing countries, including Vietnam, where approximately 31% of the electricity is generated by hydro-electric power. Although this can be said to be a recyclable source of energy, water supply is not sufficient to meet the demand and power cuts are necessary in periods of high demand, or low water levels.

Current building design is generally not energy efficient, resulting in excessive use of electricity and water. Many buildings are poorly designed and do not always make the best use of natural light and ventilation as a result of owners’ use of excessive power for lighting, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoai Tam made a case study on “A Conceptual Approach to Green Building Development: Practicalities and Prospects”. It focused in the context of sustainable construction. The conceptual analysis and evaluation carried out the practicalities and adaptability of green building mechanisms addressed particularly to developing economies. Furthermore, the study focused on three specific objectives such as:
(1) understanding the LEED concept for Green Building; (2) Exploration of the applicability and adaptability of LEED in building design in Vietnam; and (3) discussion of the problem and obstacles in implementing the LEED concept for building projects in Vietnam.

Mr. Tam’s study had successfully discussed and analysed the practicalities and adoptability of the green building concept as a means to achieve sustainable development. For purpose of analysis and illustration, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) concept was introduced as among the world’s most trusted approaches to be applied in the built environment.

He proposed that in the engineering and construction industry, these recommendations should be carefully considered to maintain and improve the effect of LEED or any other universally acceptable methodologies.
1) Enhance biodiversity—not use materials from threatened species or environments and improve natural habitats where possible through appropriate planting and water use;

2) Support communities—identify and meet the real needs, requirements and aspirations of communities and stakeholders and involve them in key decisions;

3) Use resources effectively—not consume a disproportionate amount of resources, including money and land during material sourcing, construction, use or disposal; not cause unnecessary waste of energy, water or materials due to short life, poor design, inefficiency, or less than ideal construction and manufacturing procedures. Buildings have to be affordable, manageable and maintainable in use;

4) Minimise pollution—create minimum dependence on polluting products and materials, management practices, energy, power and forms of transport;

5) Create healthy environments—enhancing living, leisure and work environments; and not endanger the health of the builders or occupants, or any other parties, through exposure to pollutants, the use of toxic materials or providing host environments to harmful organisms;

6) Manage the process—stewardship of projects is a vital and overarching aspect in delivering sustainable projects, both in the first instance and also in ensuring their performance over time. Too many aspirations are undermined by failure to manage the design process, particularly at crucial handover points where responsibilities change. This requires us to identify appropriate targets, tools and benchmarks, and manage their delivery;

7) Looking ahead—teaching the younger generation about sustainability early provides a foundation for green thinking in the future.

His thesis abstract is copied and posted

ABSTRACT

this project report provides an introduction to, and a practical evaluation of, green building development. For the past decade the concept has become well-known in the developed world, but still a challenge for developing and emerging economies, especially. The study focuses in the first place on the concept of green building as part of a practical approach to sustainable development, which is nowadays an emerging and even urgent issue for global development. It goes on to discuss and evaluate the same subject but in a more practical methodology in a case study where the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is introduced as one of the desired measures. What is of special interest is that the practicality and applicability are evaluated and analysed for adoptability in Vietnam, a developing country facing serious developmental and environmental problems. The LEED concept and adoptability have been taken into special consideration not only by Government strategic decision-makers, but more significantly by designers in the construction industry. From this introduction, more will hopefully be detailed and reflected in future design works as a contribution to the built environment and construction innovations.